One hundred ophthalmologists from around Australia and New Zealand attended the first ever Ophthalmology Updates! conference held at the Westin Hotel on the weekend 3–4 September 2016.
This new conference on the ophthalmology calendar was designed to provide a revision of common ophthalmic topics as well as a practical update on what is changing in each subspecialty.
Nine different subspecialists each delivered one hour of interactive lectures. Dr. David Wechsler described the role for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and how this procedure provides an alternative option for patients with milder glaucoma, particularly when performed in conjunction with cataract surgery. Associate Professor Clare Fraser revised the pupil examination. Computed tomography angiography is more sensitive than magnetic resonance angiography for the detection of aneursysms causing compressive CN III palsies.
The role of steroids for non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy remains controversial. Dr. Con Moshegov outlined options for managing refractive errors in phakic and pseudophakic eyes, and discussed phakic intraocular lenses and SMILE surgery. Dr. Caroline Catt reviewed accommodative esotropia, and revealed that there are now potential treatment options for amblyopia. Dr. Adrian Fung discussed the physics and concepts of OCT-angiography and management of retinal detachment and submacular haemorrhage.
The role of steroids for non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy remains controversial
Dr. Greg Moloney showed videos on DMEK surgery for Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy, and new laser refractive options in combination with corneal collagen cross linking for treatment of keratoconus. Dr. Krishna Tumuluri explained how he examines the ptotic eye, and signs differentiating aponeurotic versus other aetiologies. He also outlined newer immunological agents being used to treat cutaneous carcinoma. Professor Peter McCluskey discussed our emerging understanding of viruses in the pathogenesis of anterior uveitis, and the management of this. Dr. Michael Giblin showed images of choroidal melanoma masquerades, and discussed the prognostic role of genetic testing of choroidal melanoma. Finally, Scott Chapman from Tresscox Lawyers highlighted the pitfalls of publishing correspondence and images on social media such as Facebook and Instagram.
A wonderful private tour of the Art Gallery of NSW was held before 40 delegates descended on the Bentley Restaurant and Bar for the conference dinner. Response from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, citing the wide variety of subspecialty topics, revision, updates, opportunity to ask questions and interesting clinical cases as reasons for the conference’s success. They were also happy to receive a USB stick of all the talks.
Conference convenor, Dr. Adrian Fung, stated that the motto was “learning with friends”, and the casual, collegiate atmosphere was found to be refreshing. The meeting had support from industry, including Bayer, Allergan, Novartis, Alcon and Glaukos. Attendees were entitled to 12 level one RANZCO CPD points. This was a prime opportunity for subspecialty ophthalmologists to revise topics that they no longer regularly see in their clinical practice.
Details of this year’s meeting can be found at www.ophthalmologyupdates.com
